Columbus Center for Human Services, Inc. Increases Business Using NexTraq® Fleet Tracking

Challenge

Established in 1983, Columbus Center for Human Services, Inc. provides individuals with developmental disabilities safe transportation from home to work, day centers, and events in Ohio. With an increased demand for its services, Carolyn Sparks, Transportation Services Manager for CCHS, needed an efficient way to monitor activity in the field to ensure individuals were being picked up and dropped off on schedule. 

Solution

After looking at several vehicle tracking providers, Sparks chose the NexTraq® solution due to its comprehensive feature set. “NexTraq has every aspect: maintenance, scheduling, routing. We really needed to switch to a solution like that.”

Sparks was also impressed with the implementation and training process. “Everything was up and running in two weeks. I thought it was pretty speedy and very organized and everyone was absolutely great.” She added, “I love the training process especially because when I bring in new drivers, I can set up training through the NexTraq platform and they can get it firsthand.”

Results

Since implementing the NexTraq Vehicle Tracking solution, CCHS has more than doubled the number of patients it serves. “When we started with NexTraq, we were transporting 962 people a month. In the last two months alone, we have transported 2,192 people,” said Sparks.

With drivers now traveling throughout four different counties, CCHS uses the route optimization feature to order and create the shortest, most efficient routes to each location. Sparks said, “Because of the optimization software, I have been able to increase the number of routes the drivers are doing while eliminating wasted miles and increasing revenue.”

Sparks also notes that the ability to automate the job scheduling and dispatching process has been a major benefit to the business. Sparks uses NexTraq’s Job Schedule Board, an easy-to-use, drag-and-drop scheduling tool, to create and dispatch 4,000 jobs per week.

With company policy prohibiting drivers from using their cell phones behind the wheel, CCHS utilizes the NexTraq solution to locate drivers and keep the office informed of activity in the field. “Using the NexTraq platform, I know exactly where my drivers are, and I know if there’s a problem.” Sparks added, “We had a vehicle break down and I was able to get a tow truck there in minutes.”

Sparks also notes that the fuel card integration feature has helped CCHS more accurately keep track of fuel card transactions. “When you have drivers going to different areas at various times, it can be difficult figuring out the different receipts. Now, every vehicle has its own fuel card and every driver has a pin number. It’s an amazing system, I love it.”

What piece of advice would Sparks give other businesses interested in fleet management technology? “I think that optimization software is a little scary if you’ve never used it before. What I’ve learned from NexTraq is that I have my account rep, customer service, and the support team to assist whenever I have questions. Honestly, if people would kind of get away from the fear, it’s amazing.”

For additional information about how NexTraq Vehicle Tracking will improve the operations and profitability of your business, contact us online.

About Columbus Center for Human Services, Inc.:

Columbus Center for Human Services, Inc. is an experienced provider of comprehensive support services for adults with developmental disabilities since 1983. The CCHS mission is to prioritize health, safety, and personal goals, and to promote positive community roles for individuals with disabilities.